This I understand: net use P: \\SOME_COMPUTER\SOME_SHARE net use P: \\1.2.3.4\SOME_SHARE (the second argument is a logical share on the given computer) This, I do NOT understand: net use LPT2: IP_1.2.3.4 (where IP_1.2.3.4 is the name of a "port" assigned to a printer; the IP is a valid and responding device, but the full string "IP_1.2.3.4" is not) Can anyone tell me, is there ever a syntax of NET USE that could operate on a printer port like that? I can't get it to work, can't find anything via Google, and am practically in tears. [Sorry if this is cheating, this is basically a re-post of http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1884235/old-school-windows-2000-printing-or-when-is-a-port-name-a-computer but with the scope narrowed just to the main issue at hand.